Mike
(Society Academy Presidents Office)
"Michael, do you know what being a Champion is? Hisorically, I mean?"
Mike had to wrack his brain. He loved history, so he'd done a little reading on the topic, but he was no expert.
"A winner? Like, on a team, or representing someone?" Mike asked, wincing at what he knew was a lame answer.
"Hmmm, not quite. A Champion, Michael, is someone who cherishes a cause or person so much, that they go above and beyond for the sake of the person or the cause. This person takes it upon themselves to be a representative as well as honor the vow they make to defend or support their chosen cause. That is more or less basically what a Champion is on Earth. However, in your new world, the world of the Chosen, a Champion is all of these things, and so much more. You see, not only do you support and defend your 'Patron', but the Patron also chooses you specifically. Once they have chosen you, you are marked to become the very best of the best, even among the Chosen. You, sir, are the lucky man that fate has smiled upon. Eris has chosen you to be her Champion.
Mike had no words. So he was...special? Mike had no idea how to respond to such a revelation. Not only was he one-in-a-billion, but now he was the literal only one of his kind as well. "Wait, so you're saying that Eris has chosen me? And made me her Champion? What does that mean though?" Mike said, somewhat flustered.
"Oh, it means plenty of things Mike, none of which I'll be directly discussing with you right now, except for the most important point of all." La'ar said seriously. "There is still so much you don't understand or know, and some things you're not ready to hear, alongside your species as a whole. However, what you specifically need to know and understand is that CHampions, like you, are incredibly rare."
Mike thought that being told he was special would feel amazing, but it didn't seem as though La'ar was praising him for his good fortune. On the contrary, La'ar seemed to be worried…and sad.
"So, how rare are we talking?" Mike asked cautiously.
La'ar seemed to shake himself out of whatever memory was harrowing him at Mike's question, answering with a bittersweet smile.
"Far too rare, dear Michael. For once, and only once among their race, will a Champion ever appear, and never again, for the rest of time.
Oh, that's rare! Explains the lack of enthusiasm.
"Believe it or not, Michael, you being a CHampion as you are is actually unprecedented. You see, Champions are usually broken down into candidates, and train for most of their lives in order to have even a chance at becoming one. They enter special study programs, need to be naturally gifted, genetically suitable, and a whole host of other factors, and even then no matter how good they may be, only one is picked. Forever. That's how perfect they need to be." La'ar stated.
"So then, why am I already a Champion?" Mike asked trepidatiously.
"Because Eris is an irresponsible child with far too much talent, practice, and bravery for her own good." he said with a huff.
Mike was shocked, Eris was a kid? Playing with his powers!? "Sir, are you saying Eris isn't a mature adult?"
La'ar looked as though he'd heard the most bizarre question of his life before he burst out laughing.
"Oh, no no Michael, forgive me. She is young and new in the ways of the Link, but fret not, she is more than mature enough to have taken on the responsibility of her own Chosen. I don't want to spoil your classes, but she's actually more than 6 millennia old." He said with a smile.
Eris is...6000 years old!? She sounded like she was Mike's age though!
"Many don't see it, but she has led a difficult life up until this point, and now that her time has finally come, she's spreading her wings in ways we could never have imagined. That includes choosing a Champion the way she did with you, nad it's completely unprecedented." he said indignantly, though Mike sensed it was not out of true anger, but begrudging admiration.
Mike was relieved, though it begged a question.
"Is that a problem?" he asked curiously.
La'ar seemed to stare into the distance. "Perhaps not Michael. Perhaps what we need is the winds of change to blow our way. Only time will tell. However, don't suppose I'm saying this to scare you. Certainly not. What I am saying, is to be aware of the responsibility you have been gifted with, and it truly is a gift. You'll see, it's unlike anything you've ever experienced." La'ar said with a twinkle in his eye.
Mike didn't feel particularly encouraged by those last words.
I'll be the judge of whether or not this is a gift. La'ar is much better at scaring than comforting it would seem.
"Thank you, sir, I'm looking forward to it." Mike responded diplomatically.
La'ar smiled knowingly at Mike, with eyes Mike hadn't realized were able to see right through him, in more ways than one.
"Before we discuss your statistics and Gift, as your President I would be remiss not to attempt to set your mind at ease about all this. So let me ask you, are you…concerned for your future, Michael?" La'ar asked gently.
So he's getting right to it I suppose.
"I'd be lying if I said no, sir." Mike said, looking down at his feet
Some Champion you are Mike, the only one of your kind, and you're scared of…what you don't even know!
"Good!" La'ar exclaimed. "It's good to know you're not stupid, nor do you have a death wish. To say you weren't scared would have meant you were either a fool or a liar. Neither are good things to be, Michael. Now, on to why I asked you the question in the first place. I need you to begin thinking critically about what your role as a Chosen, and even more than that, a Champion, means for you." La'ar spoke in a way that made Mike want to pull out a notebook and start writing down every single thing he said.
"Fear makes you aware and cautious of your choices and decisions. It makes you weigh a decision before making it. In the line of work you'll be doing for the Livari, and even one day on planet Earth, that is incredibly useful. So don't fool yourself. Being afraid is normal, just don't let it get the best of you. Instead, attempt to use it, rather than let it rule you."
Easy to say my dude, but you're not the one staring up into a presence the size of Mars. Mike thought incredulously.
"That being said, I want to encourage you that for as long as you are in this Academy, we will not willingly, not willfully put you in any sort of life-threatening danger. It may get close, and you may be faced with training situations that simulate instances of near-death experiences, but overall, you are safe here, more I'd say than anywhere else." La'ar said confidently.
"We will never send you, at any point, into a situation that you cannot handle. Naturally, things happen and accidents may occur, but as far as we are able, magically or otherwise, have confidence that we have 'got your back', as you humans like to say." He said, beaming Mike a smile.
Mike had to admit, hearing those words from La'ar himself, did set his mind a bit more at ease.
"Thank you, sir, I appreciate it." Mike said with greater confidence.
"That’s the enthusiasm I'm looking for, excellent. Now, are you ready to get to the fun part?" La'ar said with much enthusiasm himself. "Checking your statistics, and getting a feel for that power of yours.!"
Wait, he just totally perked up at that idea! Is this guy?... Mike never got to finish his thought as it was briskly answered.
"I apologize if my change in demeanor is somewhat jarring, however, nothing excites me more than the study of magic in all its incarnations. You, dear Champion, have gained a power that has never been seen before by a Link! Goodness, it's been nearly 350 years since the last time this happened. So, shall we begin?" La'ar said, the excitement pouring off him.
Mike did find it odd, but couldn't help but begin to get swept up in La'ar's excitement, it was infectious, and finally having the ultimate 'expert' on hand to answer his questions was, in a word, incredible.
"Alright sir, so what should I do?" Mike asked enthusiastically.
La'ar seemed to deflate somewhat at the question, however he rallied spectacularly. "Michael, you haven't experimented much with the Link, have you?" he asked warily.
Mike tried his best not to look crestfallen at being asked the same thing twice in one day.
"No, sir, I've only had it 3 days, and, well, I didn't touch it much." Mike answered sheepishly.
The response he got from La'ar might as well have come from Joe himself.
"Michael, as much we have picked the Chosen for being responsible, we also picked them for their ingenuity and creativity. I will say this only once. Do not mistake a lack of experimentation with the Link or your Gift at this Academy for being 'responsible'. Caution is wise when warranted. However, a lack of initiative born of fear, self-doubt, or laziness is unacceptable for a Chosen, do you understand me?" La'ar stated severely.
Mike didn't think he'd be receiving a pep talk on not practicing his magic or fiddling with the Link on day one.
"Perfectly, sir. I'm sorry for not experimenting more." Mike said seriously.
"Don't be sorry Michael, just do better, yes? As we say on Nathon; 'speech is common, though made rarer by action.' Alright. Have you ever projected your statistics before?"
Mike didn't know what to make of the Livari quote, but nonetheless, he responded "No, sir."
"Well, it's fairly simple actually. You simply state 'Project', from your statistics page, and you'll project it in front of you. Magically legible from both sides too if you wish! A useful feature. Go on then, try it."
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Mike mentally pulled up his Statistics and commanded 'Project'. Immediately, a turquoise-coloured page winked into existence in front of him.
It's an exact reflection of what I see! Mike thought excitedly.
Before himself and La'ar, stood Mike's statistics.
Basic Statistics
• Name - Michael Seagal Baker •
• Title - None •
• Race - Human •
• Gender - Male •
• Class - Adolescent Civilian •
• Level - 1 •
• Eye Colour - Blue/Green •
• Hair Colour - Brown •
• Skills - Body Control, Flexibility, Enhanced reflexes •
• Magical Skills - Magic Sense, Minor Magic Manipulation •
• Special Attributes - Champion, Lucky •
• Magical Attributes - None •
"Hmmm, interesting! You have two special attributes already, as well as three physical skills. The magic skills are understandable, thanks to Eris' intervention, though, are you by chance physically active in some unique way Michael?" La'ar fired off after rapidly scanning through his statistics.
"Yes, sir. I do...or did Ballet up until recently. It's hailed as..." Mike began before La'ar interrupted him.
"The most physically demanding art form devised by humanity, and it's ancient. Only recently did it become so physically demanding, only 100 years ago it would seem. Well, that explains your physical skills, though the lucky attribute?..." La'ar trailed off.
"I've been fairly lucky my whole life, sir. Ever since...well, since my parents passed away. I've always been incredibly lucky for some reason." Mike stated, trying to be helpful.
La'ar stared at the stats hovering before him a while longer before breaking the silence. "It's peculiar, though not unheard of. I'll get back to you about it if it's something to worry about. Alright then, show me your Gift page."
Mike mentally withdrew the floating display of his statistics and willed his Gift tab to open in its place.
Gift Statistics
• Gift - Will o' Wisp •
• Type - Unknown •
• Effect - Unknown •
• Sub-effects - Unknown •
• Level - 1 •
• Proficiency - None •
• Advancement potential - Error •
La'ar stared at the readout for much longer than Mike thought he would, as purple eyes flitted back and forth. "Is something wrong?" Mike asked hesitantly.
La'ar put his hand on his head, looking as if he were trying to squish himself downwards into a box before making an alarming grumbling sound. "Not necessarily Mike. However I would appreciate it if you would open the substrate on Type, please. Just the first."
Mike blanked, then blinked, before La'ar smiled, realizing who was sitting before him. "You have no idea what to do, do you?"
"Nope."
"I thought so. Alright then, focus on the Type heading, then either use 'open' or 'substrate' to take a peek." La'ar instructed patiently.
Mike was going red from embarrassment, feeling wholly unqualified to be getting an impromptu lesson on the Link while all his fellows slumbered on blissfully. He focused on Type, and commanded 'Open'. Type seemed to zoom into view before the Link asked a question.
• Welcome to the Type substrate. As this is your first time exploring this substrate, would you like a tutorial on how to navigate... •
Before the text had time to unfurl fully, La'ar broke Mike's attention by stating, "No, say no, and mentally request to view the 'Magic Systems' substrate. You can go through the tutorial later, just ask it."
Mike felt like a grandpa being patiently taught about modern PC navigation by tech support. He mentally commanded 'No', before commanding 'View Magic Systems'. The tutorial text vanished before nine bars floated into his vision, with his Gift illuminated at the top, branching down to illuminate each of them. He projected the view outwards so La'ar could view it as well.
Will o' Wisp
Element Divination Conjuring Psychic Life and Death Creature Magiscience Eclectic Enigma
"By the Luminary." La'ar, who up until this point had remained on the edge of his seat, sat back and pursed his rather thin lips, making them all but disappear.
Mike didn't know if this was a good or a bad thing, but as time passed, the more he stared at the nine bars in front of him, the more they created questions for him. Just as he was about to voice them, La'ar sat back upright and gestured at the floating page.
"Thank you, Michael. That is all I wanted to see from you regarding the Link. This...changes many things, concerning you, now that it's confirmed to me. You see, as a Champion, you are expected to become a master of every facet of your Gift before you become a recognized Champion and take your rightful place at the summit of the Chosen, alongside the other Champions. There, you will be tasked with the defense of our galaxy and you will work alongside the Luminary, the greatest Sorcerer that has ever existed. This is no small task you might imagine. You may be wondering, 'How hard could it be?'. Allow me to explain." La'ar forged ahead.
"For most species in this galaxy, a lifespan of 500 years is average. 2000 is good, and Livari tend to 'top the charts' as you say, at over 10,000 years for a healthy individual. You may see where I'm going with this. The difference in humans is that not only do they have a maximum lifespan of roughly 120 years, which is exceptionally short, but they are also only competently functional for approximately 40-50 years before rapid genetic breakdown and inevitable aging occur. Now, let me ask you something, Michael. What do you suppose is the time it takes for a Champion candidate to master his entire Gift, level it up to its greatest potential, and learn optimal proficiency with it?"
Mike was reeling with the revelation of the massive difference in timescale humanity was dealing with in the galactic stage. It was unthinkable. Mike didn't like where this was going, but if Mike had to guess, going on average galactic lifespan, how long it took for Champion candidates to become the best of the best, he supposed...
"100 years, sir?" Mike was spitballing, but he had no clue.
"250 years, Michael. Do you know how many years you have to live Micha..." La'ar began before a physical voice interrupted both of them.
"La'ar, you should know better! Are you so short-sighted that you can't see the forest for the trees? You're scaring my Champion!"
The sweet melodic voice that Mike only knew from his mind he was hearing with his ears for the very first time.
"Eris! I can hear you!" Mike exclaimed.
"Of course you can Mike, you're at the Academy now, after all! There's so much magic around here, it's fairly easy to use speech! As for you La'ar, explain yourself." Eris quipped after sweetly addressing Mike.
"Eris, I'm simply explaining the stakes to young Michael here, he needs to understand all the facts. Right now he..." La'ar didn't get very far before Eris impudently interrupted him once more.
"Right now, he should be encouraged, shown the ropes, shown around the grounds, sent to sleep, I don't know, a hundred other things besides this! You know that orientation is happening soon, he and the rest of the Academy will see firsthand the horrors they can expect. What you are doing is irresponsible. Are you trying to break my Champion before he even sets foot in a single class?" Eris' tirade was beginning to get out of hand.
"Eris! How dare you assume my intentions? I have overseen hundreds, if not thousands of worlds, I invented the Link, and alongside the Luminary hold at bay the Subversion that threatens us all! He does not need to be coddled, he needs to be prepared. His is young, and if he puts in the work now, he can..." La'ar was interrupted by a rather unexpected source.
"Hey! He, Mike, is in the room. I'm not a kid, I am not fragile, and I'm definitely not gonna stand by and let you both third-person me. I'm sorry for interrupting, but I didn't come here to be babied. I'm okay, no offense Eris. La'ar, I appreciate you trying to warn or prepare me, but I don't appreciate a pep talk on day one telling me I better work hard or the galaxy is gonna fall or whatever. I just got here, and you've been doing alright without humans apparently until now, so I don't know what you're trying to do. We, humans, might be...small or pathetic by your standards, but if I'm humanity's Champion, then I believe I get to speak for us all when I say Humans are not weak. Yeah, we may be short-lived, or stupid, or not have all the glorious magical bits and bobs of the Livari, but believe me when I say that when we put our minds to something, we get it done. We, without magic, got to where we are today by working our butts off with blood, sweat, and tears. So please, have a little respect for the race you've just professed to care about and protect. Sir."
The room went deathly quiet as Mike just realized what he had said in the heat of the moment. He wished he could sink into the ground.
I fucked up. I'm so expelled. I just told off my nuke-catching president. I am so dead. I'm sorry Joe, I never got to find you that alien girlfriend after all...
It was then that Eris began laughing, a loud belly laugh from the sounds of it. "Mike, kid, you've got balls! I'm sure you know that La'ar and I are important, but when you learn just what positions we hold, I hope I'm there to see your face." she finished before cackling with laughter some more. It was a little creepy seeing as it was coming from the air.
Mike utterly blanched at that, and began to feel queasy as it kept hitting him over and over again that he had acted totally and completely impulsively.
So much for being responsible you dumbass!
"Indeed, you are...courageous, young Michael." La'ar said across from him, pressing his hands downwards into his lap, a small smirk curling the corner of his mouth. "Not in a thousand years have I been reprimanded by one so young as you. Consider yourself lucky Michael. I do believe I am beginning to grow...fond of you and your race." La'ar said cryptically. "Alas, Michael, my intent was not to scare you, and if that is what you received, it is I who is at fault for my poor communication. Eris is...correct in saying that you ought to first settle and begin classes before this admittedly monumental task is set upon your shoulders. For now, however, you ought to revel in your youth. Do 'work hard', as you say. I won't tolerate any laziness. We shall see just how you and the rest of the Chosen fare and progress. Let me not speak on behalf of a race that is not my own after all. Show me just how mighty the human race truly is." La'ar said with a smile gracing his face.
"Thank you, sir, you'll see. We're made of strong stuff. We won't let you down. And uh, sorry, for earlier. To you too Eris. I had no right to do what I did..." Mike apologised.
"Nonsense Mike, don't sweat it. Old fogies need their butts kicked now and then, but so do the young and dumb. Thanks. Sorry for babying you." Eris' disembodied voice spoke out.
"Let that be our conclusion for now Michael," La'ar stated, standing up. "We never quite got to look at your gift, but we will have ample time as of yet to reconnect and take a look, I promise." La'ar said with a genuine smile, standing by the door, and opening it to let Mike out.
"Thank you sir. Until then, go well."
"To you too, dear Michael." La'ar stated before Mike walked out the door, which La'ar promptly closed once Mike had left.
Go well!? What am I saying? Mike, get it together dude, you're being an idiot! Mike mentally berated himself.
"Well, that was...interesting! How'd it go?" Calum asked Mike as he stood and walked outside alongside Mike.
"Ummm, well to be honest, it was interesting! Though at the end, I kind of...told him off for trying to scare me, it was kind of in the spur of the moment, I don't know why I did it." Mike said, chuckling nervously.
Calum stopped at the stairs leading down and out of the building. He turned his head slowly and looked Mike dead in the eyes, a petrified look on his face.
"You. Did. What?!?"